You ask how I'm doing.
I say I'm okay.
But my smile is A little too wide
My eyes a bit bright.
Hey, I'm doing great.
Pay no attention to my ragged fingernails
Which I've bitten to the quick.
And as I light another cigarette
My shaking hands are barely noticable.
I cannot meet your gaze
And so I look away.
Trying so hard to hide the cracks in this brittle facade.
Thank you for stopping to see how I am
But I have so much to do
And I appreciate your concern.
But as you can see, I am
Just fine.